Ochiltree

Ochiltree

Ochiltree, spelt Uchletree in the Middle Ages, is a village in East Ayrshire, Scotland near Auchinleck and Cumnock. It is one of the oldest villages in East Ayrshire with archaeological remains indicating Stone Age and Bronze Age settlers.

The name Ochiltree has a Brythonic etymology Uchil tref - the high steading, either a reference to its landscape position (commanding views to south and east), or as a significant local centre.

Main Street is lined with stone cottages and one of these was The House with the Green Shutters in the 1901 novel of that name by George Douglas Brown, who was born in Ochiltree. An annual event, The Green Shutters Festival of Working Class Writing, is held here in Brown's memory.

There is also a council house estate.

The Tennant family, described by Robert Burns originate from the village. Amongst their number are Charles Tennant, Alexander Tennant and Edward Tennant, 1st Baron Glenconner.

The ruins of ancient Auchencloigh Castle are located near Belston Loch.

Also from the village is a close associate of King James I of Scotland, Michael Ochiltree.

A small loch, used latterly as a curling pond, known as Loch of the Hill lay close to South Palmerston Farm until it was drained in the late 19th century.

See also

• Lord Ochiltree
• Ochiltree County, Texas,

Ochiltree has a population of approx 1200. The village is home to Ochiltree Primary School and is served by two small shops at the top and bottom of Main Street.

Two sporting venues exist, the Community Centre (next to the school) and the Bowling Club down by the river. Notable former residents include the McEvoy Family.

Johnny Cymbal, the famous American based singer, songwriter and record producer was born in Ochiltree on the 3rd of February 1945. He is best remembered for his signature song/hit ' Mr. Bass Man '.

Coordinates: 55°27′42.09″N 4°21′41.44″W / 55.4616917°N 4.3615111°W / 55.4616917; -4.3615111